BELL AND MORELLI PICK UP TOP ECC YEAR-END MEN’S SOCCER HONORS

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (Nov. 9, 2008) - The East Coast Conference recently issued its all-conference team for men's soccer, and Molloy College had six players on the slate. Also, senior defender Nick Bell (Valley Stream, N.Y.) and senior keeper Ettore Morelli (North Bellmore, N.Y.) made defensive player and goalie of the year distinction, respectively, in addition to being named to the All-ECC first-team.

Bell helped the Lions limit their opposition to just 24 goals in 19 games, while Morelli posted a record of 12-5-2 with five shutouts. He also knocked down 86 shots, while compiling a 1.18 goals-against average and a .789 save percentage in 1,747-plus minutes of action. Furthermore, Morelli has had double-digit saves in two games during the season.

Two other members were selected to the first-team in senior midfielder William Bell (Valley Stream, N.Y.) and sophomore midfielder Jose Batista (Forest Hills, N.Y.). Bell is ranked fourth on the team in points with 16 off seven goals, which is second-best on the Lions, and two assists. As for Batista, he is second for Molloy in scoring with 22 points (7 G, 8 A). He has also taken a team-high 48 shots (26 SOG).

Senior forward Nick D'Alessandro (West Hempstead, N.Y.) was a second-team all-star. He is third on the squad with 20 points on eight goals and four assists. Lastly, junior forward John-Paul Hughes (Manchester, England) garnered third-team kudos. In 11 contests, Hughes has notched 10 points (1 G, 8 A). He has also registered a shot-on-goal percent of .583.

Head Coach Danny Longo and the Lions, who finished the 2008 season with an overall mark of 12-5-2 and their first-ever East Coast Conference Championship, are now awaiting word on a possible bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. The bracket is scheduled to be released tomorrow.